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Medicine Hat is home to the World’s Tallest Tepee, Saamis Tepee. It’s also known for pottery, fantastic local brews (coffee and beer), coulees and plenty more. The city can also act as a starting point to explore nearby destinations, like Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. Here are 10 can't-miss reasons to visit Medicine Hat and the surrounding area this summer.
This is Medicine Hat's most recognizable landmark. The Saamis Tepee was built for the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary to pay tribute to Indigenous cultures in Canada. The solid steel structure stands 66 m (215 ft) high, and it's more than a photo op. The Saamis Tepee's foundation features 10 storyboards that depict key pieces of Indigenous history. It’s located on the TransCanada Highway next to Medicine Hat's Visitor Information Centre. Once a buffalo camp, take a walk through the area, believed to house millions of artifacts.
“This is a must see in Medicine Hat. Provides a sense of Alberta history, good exhibits and a large collection of Medalta pieces. The guided tour was excellent and was well worth the price.”
Back in the day, clay and pottery were big business here. Medalta was once a factory that exported clay products worldwide. The Medalta in the Historic Clay District museum and gallery are a time capsule that will transport you to a bygone era to explore Medicine Hat's industrial history. Take a self-guided tour to explore the iconic beehive kilns or book a tour with a guide who can share fascinating Medalta stories. Bonus: You're likely to see working ceramic artists here, too.
You are spoiled for choice of local brews in Medicine Hat. The city has a lively craft beer and coffee scene. Each brewery has its own distinct character. Travois Ale Works is known for its European-style ales and an always-changing lineup of beers to sip. Medicine Hat Brewing Company has been around in some form or another for over a century, slinging classic brews alongside seasonal flavours. Hell’s Basement Brewery rounds out the trio with creatively named regular beer offerings paired with experimental rotating taps.
Medicine Hat is also well known for its local coffees, whether you’re satisfying your morning caffeine craving or need a mid-day pick-me-up. Find locally roasted beans at Poolhouse Cafe & Roastery and handcrafted drinks and baking at all eight independent coffee shops in the city.
Downtown Medicine Hat is covered with colourful murals, showing the historic or cultural aspects of the city. The most popular is the Meadowlark Mural on South Railway Street. Since 2018, local, national and international artists have been invited by Medicine Hat Mural Fest to paint Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown.
Another mural pays homage to a quote by famed author Rudyard Kipling, who visited Medicine Hat in 1907. Kipling gave the city the nickname “Hell’s Basement” because of the vast stores of natural gas in the ground beneath the city.
This stop is a cultural two-for-one. The Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre is an artistic hub in Medicine Hat, where culture is on display through theatre, dance, visual art and seasonal exhibitions. Immerse yourself in the stories of Medicine Hat and check out the art gallery and museum.
Next door, you’ll find the Ewart Duggan House, the oldest brick residence in Alberta. It still stands on its original foundation – built with locally made bricks. The Victorian house has occupied the lot since 1887 and was designated a provincial historic site in 1993. Today, the home is frequented by artists – through the residency program – and visitors strolling through the Heritage Garden.
Once a Northwest Mounted Police outpost, this is now a natural reserve. Stroll through more than 240 acres of lush natural scenery, with trees that are up to 300 years old. Unplug and take your time on the walking paths, and watch for wildlife. You can learn more about the park at the nature centre, which runs interpretive programs.
Book a seat on the Sunshine Trolley (children 12 and under ride free). Each ride has a guided tour that’s led by a local. The restored vintage trolley car winds its way through downtown Medicine Hat, with stops at the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre and Medalta in the Historic Clay District. It’s also a great way to see so many of Medicine Hat’s beautiful sights in one experience.
Echo Dale Regional Park is nestled into the outskirts of the city, and it’s a popular summer destination for sun and relaxation. Spend the day swimming in the lake, exploring the winding trails or enjoying a barbecue picnic (you’ll need to bring your own supplies) among the cliffsides. If you like history, you can tour an early settler’s home or coal mine during the summer. Remember to book your tour spot in advance.
In under an hour, you’re in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, stretching from the southern corner of Alberta into neighbouring Saskatchewan. It’s a perfect spot for weekend escapes. Book a campsite, comfort campsite or a modern condo at Elkwater Lake Lodge. There’s plenty to do in Cypress Hills, whether you’re in the mood for fun on the water, or a trek through the winding hiking and mountain biking trails. The Provincial Park also offers free programming to learn how to mountain bike and canoe.
Take a short road trip to see a phenomenon on the prairie. Red Rock Coulee is a collection of the largest sandstone boulders in the world. But these aren’t just any rocks. They were formed in prehistoric seas that once covered the land, and you can spot fossilized shells, leaves and even bones in their surfaces.
